LB and derivative broths
LB broth is an all purpose media for the growth of bacterial culture. LB broth contains the enzymatic digestion product of casein commonly known as peptone (also termed as Tryptone), yeast extract, and sodium chloride. LB broth is the industry standard, nutritionally rich medium for the maintenance and culture of recombinant strains of E. coli. LB can support E. coli growth OD600 2 to 3 under normal shaking incubation condition (250 rpm). Enriched media (Terrific Broth, Super Broth) can support E. coli growth to OD600 5 to 8 under normal shaking incubation conditions.
Lennox formulation has the same basic composition and is low in salt content (5 g/L). It is used for selective cultivation of certain strains of E. coli that are used in salt-sensitive antibiotic selections.
Miller's modification has a relatively high salt content and is suitable for selective culture of certain strains.
Both of the above LB Broth formulations are also available with agar for plating. Individual formulations for the broth and agar premixed powders are given below. Several other derivative broths with high concentrations of nutrients have been formulated for higher growth and thus more plasmid and protein yields.